Then, it's off to Washington, D.C. where Obama's daughters start school on Monday.
The president-elect and his family, as well as friends, spent time around Honolulu as they wrap up 2008 - and get set for a big year.
"It was very exciting. I got to see President-elect Obama and I got to shake his hand. And I worked on his campaign. So it was very exciting to come down here and see him," said Malia Chong, Punahou teacher and alumna.
The Obama motorcade then sped off to the Punahou campus, site of the president-elect's elementary and high school.
"He came in and saw all of us and took his time as he came down through and said hi to all of us. It was very nice," said Anita DiMauro, Punahou parent.
And then it was on to rendezvous with the presidential daughters at the honolulu zoo. There mr. Obama met with cheering supporters and had the zoo to himself for two hours - with the help of the secret service.
"We came to the zoo with our family. And we're expecting to see some animals and got to see the president-elect," said Steve Ellenberg, Honolulu Zoo visitor.
The future first family spent time at the Sumatran tiger enclosure, getting a behind the scenes look at the three tiger cubs born there last fall. The Obamas return to chicago on Thursday then move to Washington, D.C. on Sunday. They'll take up residence at the Hay Adams Hotel, just a few blocks from the White House, as Malia and Sasha Obama start school Monday, January 5.
The family will then move into Blair House just before the inauguration, which is two and a half weeks away.
